Our relationship with nature is characterised by an overwhelming human supremacy and the inevitable consequences of such a balance of power. The Anthropocene view of the world is exploitative of non-human animals, plants, and the environment as a whole, hence discrimination and abuse of natural environments unambiguously precede the understanding, coexistence or interspecies cooperation advocated by a professional and informed public. For decades, the latter has emphasised the urgent need not to disregard ecological strategies as to preserving the diversity and interdependence of living organisms. Exploring the relation between the sonority of humans and our environment, sound ecology instigates an important redirection of attention to neglected areas of interest in our auditory perception. It promotes mindful listening to our surroundings. In consequence, a soundscape taken-for-granted is transformed into a complex, inclusive, and ever-changing composition of equal protagonists.

Non-human animals produce complex sounds. Scientific study most often involves from an outsider’s perspective, primarily interested in the different roles and meanings that sounding can play in animal communication. In contrast, artists engage in interspecies communication by entering the space as an equal member, simply taking part in a dialogue with other participants. One thus becomes a member of the bird chorus responding to them in harmony with the comprehensive sound spectrum. Such a creative effort is explored by interspecies sound art based on the idea of inclusive co-creation by human and non-human animals. Human participation is a conscious articulation of respect and equality, giving up its central role and feeling comfortable to give space to all involved. This process enables the establishment of a unique interspecies collaboration where the sounds of different life forms intertwine into an authentic musical experience.

As an audience, we can only fully engage in such musical exploration when realising that nature is not a backdrop for the musicians performing. Instead, a symbiotic and compassionate relation between humans and nature is being established before our eyes. Not as a one-off phenomenon, but a reflection of the constant coexistence. Such musical expression is based on improvisation. The contacts between the performers are unpredictable and the spaces-in-between offer innumerable chances. The position of the audience becomes fluid as well, as through their presence, they experience and co-create a mindful and compassionate node of a shared soundscape.

During the ornithological lectures, ornithologists Alenka Bradač (DOPPS) in the Arboretum Volčji Potok and Aleksander Kozina (DOPPS) in Triglav National Park will guide you into the world of birds. Through careful observation and listening, you will learn about their habits, habitats, and characteristics. The early hours, when nature is still waking up, offer the richest opportunity for birdwatching, so we recommend bringing your own binoculars. The lectures will take place outdoors and involve walking, so please dress appropriately for the weather.

Tea Vidmar creates in the field of street theater, music and vocal performances. As a vocalist, she worked with musical groups, as a soloist and in collaborations with local and foreign musicians and musicians also performs in the field of contemporary improvised and experimental music.

Jure Boršič is a saxophonist and clarinetist of the younger generation, working between Ljubljana and Nova Gorica. He is active mainly in free-jazz, experimental and alternative fields, and lately also more and more often in the organization of such events.

Brane Zorman je intermedijski umetnik, skladatelj, zvočni manipulator, producent in kurator. Zvočna dela komponira za gledališke, intermedijske in plesne predstave.

Great Tit (Parus major) A distinctive songbird of Slovenian forests, gardens, and parks. Known for its adaptability, complex vocalizations, and high level of cognitive skill.

Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) A small tit with recognizable blue and yellow plumage. Noted for its foraging agility and remarkable vocal diversity.

Blackbird (Turdus merula) A vocal specialist with a distinctly melodic and individualized song. One of the most common birds in Slovenia’s cultural landscape.

Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea) The only European bird capable of climbing down tree trunks headfirst. Its call consists of metallic whistles, contributing a key element to the forest soundscape.

Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) A singer with a rich vocal repertoire, known for its melodic and improvised phrases. Common in deciduous forests and shrublands.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) A highly social species closely associated with human settlements. Communicates through short, rhythmic calls during group interactions.

Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) A territorial singer with a characteristic, pulsating melody. A frequent inhabitant of forests and managed landscapes across Slovenia.

The project is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia and the Municipality of Ljubljana, Department for Culture.

COLOPHON
Umetnice_ki: birds (great tits [Parus major], warblers [Cyanistes caeruleus], blackbirds [Turdus merula], blackcaps [Sitta europaea], sparrows [Passer domesticus], blackcaps [Sylvia atricapilla], finches [Fringilla coelebs]), Tea Vidmar (vocals), Jure Boršič (clarinet, saxophone), Brane Zorman (electroacoustics)
Ornithological Tours: Alenka Bradač, Aleksander Kozina (DOPPS)
Organisation: Irena Pivka (Cona), Urška Golob in Franciska Tan (Turizem Bled), Anja Marinšek (Arboretum Volčji Potok)
Public relations, photo and video: Matej Tomažin (Cona), Anja Marinšek (Arboretum Volčji Potok), Franciska Tan (Turizem Bled)
Production: Cona, Institute for the Processing of Contemporary Art, 2025
Project partners: Arboretum Volčji Potok in Turizem Bohinj